Important Words and Phrases
- “I will support you no matter what.”
Two of my brothers told me this recently, and I realized what power this phrase has, because their saying it meant the world to me. In expressing such confidence in me, both provided an a priori blanket of security. Their expression of devotion, regardless of the circumstances, was both moving and empowering.
- “I love you.”
This phrase isn’t really said in our household, but some of my closest friends say it. And it’s more than just a simple, thrown-around phrase in my book. It means all the things that love should mean: unconditional acceptance, undying loyalty, incredible care and concern. It is good to be told that we are loved.
I should tell people whom I love that I do love them, more often. But it’s kind of hard to get the words out of my mouth, since I’m just not used to saying it. So in the meantime, I hope that they understand through my actions alone.
- “Bei bei.”
My parents call me this all the time, and explained it to me for the first time today. I always thought it was just another word for “baby,” and since I’m the youngest, I figured they just called me that out of convenience. Not so!
Bei bei is derived from bao bei, which means “precious,” and bei bei is a step up — it is a term of endearment that reflects something more along the lines of “most precious.” I’m my parents “most precious” daughter!
Lucky me. 
It is good to be someone’s bei bei.